Parkersburg Tornado spurs Legion Post 285 into action

2008 – A May 25 tornado rips through Parkersburg, killing seven and destroying hundreds of homes, soon followed by severe storms and flooding in New Hartford. American Legion Post 285 in Parkersburg transforms to become relief center, serving more than 30,000 meals in a six-day period. The area receives numerous American Legion National Emergency Fund grants.  Post 285’s response inspires the creation of the national NEF Post Excellence Award.